CE Certification & RCD Compliance

1. Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)

The Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC entered into force on June 16, 1996. All recreational watercraft marketed in the European Union, from 2.5 to 24 meters in length, both power and sail, had to comply with its essential requirements before June 16, 1998.

Compliance ensures safety, environmental protection and technical standards across EU member states.

2. Components Covered by the Directive

In addition to vessels, the Directive specifies five categories of components that must comply with certification requirements:

• Ignition-protected equipment for inboard and stern drive engines
• Start-in-gear protection devices for outboard engines
• Steering wheels, mechanisms and cable assemblies
• Fixed fuel tanks and fuel hoses
• Prefabricated hatches and portlights

These components must be certified before manufacturers can apply for vessel certification.

3. Directive Amendments (2003/44/EC)

From June 16, 2003, the Directive was extended to cover:

• Personal watercraft
• Exhaust emissions
• Noise emissions
• Environmental compliance

Component and accessory suppliers play a vital role, but ultimate responsibility remains with the boat manufacturer.

4. Certification Procedure — New Vessels

1. Manufacturers identify components requiring certification.
2. Suppliers apply to IMCI for component certification.
3. Certificate numbers are issued and forwarded.
4. Numbers are included in vessel applications.
5. IMCI inspections verify compliance.
6. Certificates are issued for models or families.

Once approved, manufacturers may apply the CE mark and issue a Declaration of Conformity.

5. Post-Construction Assessment (Module G)

Vessels not CE-marked at construction may be certified as “one-offs” under Module G.

• Boats not previously marketed in the EU
• Boats built for personal use
• Racing or experimental craft later converted
• Totally refitted vessels

These vessels must comply with all RCD standards including design, construction, noise and emissions.

6. About IMCI

The International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) is an independent certification organization based in Brussels, Belgium.

Founded in 1992, IMCI was recognized in 1996 as Notified Body 0609 by the European Commission.

IMCI enables certified products to access the EU market freely, replacing complex national homologation procedures.